The Dream Of An Epic Road Trip

I took this picture one early morning as the BFF and I headed to see the sun rise over Cocoa Beach.

Sometimes reading a book is like taking a road trip. You travel these incredible distances, broken up by mini-adventures and memory-making, and even though you try to take it slow, you find yourself approaching the end far too soon.

I’ve wanted to read Morgan Matson’s Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour for months, so I tried to pace myself when I started it last week. It was finished by Friday afternoon.

So that’s that. I’ve now read three books on my summer reading list, and it’s only July. I didn’t factor in twenty-minute subway rides.

The good thing is that the book did not disappoint me. It was full of bittersweet discoveries and budding romance. Fantastic. Now all I want to do is take my own epic road trip. Sadly, I need money for that.

And a car.

And my own Magellan. I can be Chekov, or maybe Sancho Panza.

(Oh, just read the book. It will make sense once you do.)

Road trips are a big deal in my family. My mother and her parents were constantly road tripping when she was growing up, and she was determined that her kids would have the same opportunities, even though she knew we would be raised overseas. I’ve been on at least eight road trips with my family, which is a lot if you consider the fact that I’ve only lived in America with them for approximately eleven years. On top of those trips, there are also the countless ones that I’ve gone on with my dad during his itineration. (This is how I’ve managed to visit thirty states.)

My grandparents and mother visiting Sedona, AZ, in 1977.

So yeah, road trips are important, and it’s been almost four years since I’ve had one. And except for a few mini trips with my college roommates to Iowa and Illinois, I’ve never gone on an extensive, across-the-great-continental-United-States trip with friends. Just family. That should change.

I don’t know when, I don’t know how, and I don’t know with whom, but one of these days I’m going to go on an epic road trip, and I’ve got the where partially planned.

The characters in Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour made a point to take advantage of the opportunities that road trips present and to not stick to a strict itinerary. I’m up for that, but I’d have to put my foot down and demand visits to California, Las Vegas, New Orleans, and Graceland. For some reason, I’ve never been able to get to those four, and that frustrates me.

Amy and Roger also eat at a lot of good places. On my road trip, I would definitely stop at the Village Inn, which was my favorite hang out/study spot when I was in college. Other places to eat would be Sonic, Steak ‘n’ Shake, In-n-Out, Taco John’s, random BBQ joints and diners, and Andy’s Frozen Custard. Screw lactose intolerance.

Have to visit Mecca (aka, Springfield) and take a trip down memory lane. There are friends and professors to see and old haunts to visit. Like Andy’s Frozen Custard, the Mudhouse, Village Inn, the fountains at Jordan Valley Park… Plus, there’s always Branson and Silver Dollar City.

Pick up the BFF and drive to New Sharon, the smallest town I’ve ever visited, to see more friends. Blast a lot of music to keep ourselves awake on those empty roads. Eat at Taco John’s. Be sure to stop at Iowa 80, the world’s largest truck stop.

I’d like to drive through Las Vegas. Not sure if I want to spend a lot of time there, but I do want to see it. Also, I’d like to travel The Loneliest Road in America, as long as we have enough gas, fully charged cell phones, and water.

I have a precious memory of rolling down the windows and belting out, “The hills are aliiiiive with the sound of muuuusiiiiiic!” with my family while driving through the Rockies. And the Tien Shan. And the Alps.

Colorado is just a beautiful state. I’m always amazed at just how big the sky is, and how close it feels. It’s fascinating—you drive over the state line, and it’s like you could really reach out and touch the sky. Plus, Colorado looks a lot like Kazakhstan to me.

You’re Doin’ Fine, Oklahoma

The Oklahoma! Soundtrack (preferably the 1998 London cast with Hugh Jackman)